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What’s in Bloom? June at RBG

May 30, 2024

What Blooms in June?

Note: this is a general guide of what typically blooms this month at RBG. Bloom periods may vary by up to 2 weeks. For the best view of what’s blooming right now at RBG, see the current photos on RBG’s Instagram, or find the “Bloom Watch” section on the What’s in Bloom page.

A rainbow of blooms spreads across the gardens! The spring heatwave pushed our gardens slightly ahead with many collections blooming about a week or two ahead of previous years. 

From the end of May into early-June, the Iris and Peony collections dazzle at Laking Garden, the competing sweet fragrances of the two collections is truly mesmerizing. At the Arboretum, early-June brings Kousa Dogwood, Beautybush, Mock-orange, Cinquefoil and Weigela. Along RBG’s trails, the wildflowers of June are highlighted by the Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor) and White Water Lily (Nymphaea odorata) found throughout the wetlands.

At Rock Garden, discover showy perennials like Blue False Indigo, Columbine and Cranesbill. The first of the roses start to appear in Hendrie Park, alongside companion plants like Butterflyweed and Ornamental Onions. 

  • Ladybug on top of a soft pink and purple iris
  • a grouping of large, pink peony blooms
  • beautybush arching over a footpath at Rock Garden
  • bee approaching butterfly weed

Pictured, left to right: Iris, Peony, Beautybush, Butterflyweed

Later in the month, Rock Garden comes into its own with displays of flourishing perennials, including Ornamental Onions, Sages, and Coralbells. The Weigelas, Stewartias, and Japanese Snowbells bloom in the canopy understory and lush conifers are showing off a wide variety of developing cones.

The Rose Garden bursts into bloom with the first full flush of the year, showcasing disease-resistant, cold-hardy and drought-tolerant Roses, including several Canadian introductions which can be found at local growers. Early to mid-June in Laking Garden brings the Clematis collection, and beautiful heritage perennials.

  • Rock Garden Purple Allium Blooms
  • Cornus Dogwood Arboretum
  • Huchera Coral Bells
  • Deep pink roses in the foreground with purple globe shaped allium in the background

Pictured, left to right: Ornamental Onions, Dogwood, Coralbells, Roses

June closes with more beautiful perennials across the gardens, including Lavender, Smooth and Oakleaf Hydrangea, Yarrow, Astilbe, Hibiscus, and the first of the Coneflowers. With different textures of ornamental grasses, trees, shrubs and the sounds of the water features, the gardens are a treat to all your senses.

  • Pink Hydrangea Starting To Bloom
  • Tight, spiky groupings of small dense flowers. Chinese Astilbe
  • bright pink hibiscus
  • Large grouping of English Lavender plants

Pictured, left to right: Hydrangea, Astilbe, Hibiscus, Lavender

June Favourites

Bed Of Multi Coloured Iris

Iris

Blooming early 

Bearded and Siberian Iris blooms until end of May to early-June

Main collection found in Laking Garden, with plants also found at Rock Garden.

Laking Garden Rows Of Peonies In Bloom

Peonies

Blooming early 

The herbaceous peony collection blooms from end of May to early-June. 

Main collection in Laking Garden.

Rose Garden Collection

Roses

Expected to bloom early.

The rose collection features multiple flushes mid-June through fall, alongside companion plants that bloom throughout the season. 

The Rose Garden is located in Hendrie Park.

Plants that typically flower in June at RBG

  • Astilbe
  • Beautybush
  • Butterflyweed
  • California Poppy
  • Canada Anemone
  • Cinquefoil
  • Clematis
  • Coneflower
  • Coralbells
  • Cranesbill
  • Dogwood
  • False Indigo
  • Fleeceflower
  • Globe Daisy
  • Horse Chestnut
  • Hosta
  • Hydrangea
  • Iris
  • Japanese Snowbell
  • Lavendar
  • Lily
  • Lindheimer’s Beeblossom
  • Lotus*
  • Milkweed
  • Mock Orange
  • Ornamental Onion (Allium)
  • Peony*
  • Rose
  • Salvia
  • Sunflower family
  • Tulip Tree
  • Waterlily
  • Weigelia
  • Wild Thyme
  • Yarrow

Bloom times vary. Check our social media feeds for what’s in bloom currently! 

Blooms by Season

Plants of interest are ever-changing in RBG’s five cultivated garden areas and nature sanctuaries. Learn what’s blooming now or see the blooms calendar for a rough estimation of what to expect each season.